Introduction To Helping Relationships PowerPoint produced by Melinda Haley, M.S., New Mexico State University. “This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display, including transmission of an image over a network; preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or part, of any images; any rental, lease, or lending of the program.” “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups Differences Between Helping Individuals and Groups With groups you have to track more people. In groups, participants get less individual attention. In groups, it is harder to keep confidentiality More skills and training are needed to be effective with groups. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups Advantages of Working with Groups Groups are cost effective. Groups offer participants more support. Groups provide commonality (e.g. “I’m not the only one who has this problem.”) Participants can more easily learn interpersonal skills. Groups provide more opportunity for vicarious learning. Participants can practice skills on each other. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups Disadvantages of Working with Groups Not everyone can be in a group. Peer pressure might force conformity. Not enough time to deal with each person thoroughly. Group leaders have less control then in individual helping. A disruptive person can cause more harm. It is harder to build trust and safety. Causalities are more likely to occur. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups Working With a Co-leader Sit opposite one another. Share equally in leading. When your co-leader is talking or otherwise occupied with leading activities, observe members non-verbal behaviors. Stay connected with your co-leader and present as a team. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups Working With a Co-leader Play off each other’s energy to keep things moving and dynamic. Don’t play fixed roles but interchange them between you. Make a plan beforehand so you each know what you are doing. Debrief after the group and give each other feedback. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups When To Intervene In Groups To help build an atmosphere of trust and safety. When things are becoming abusive or hostile. To enforce rules and norms. To redirect focus. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups When To Intervene In Groups (continued) To provide feedback. To get a member’s input, reaction or feedback. To draw connections between members or point out themes. To correct irrational or faulty thinking. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups When To Intervene In Groups (continued) To empower participants. To offer support when needed. To reinforce helpful contributions. To encourage constructive risk taking “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups When To Intervene In Groups (continued) To provide structure when it is needed. To stop unproductive gripe sessions. To confront incongruence or inconsistencies. To bring closure to a topic or a session. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups The Practicalities of Groups Group Composition: What is the theme? What issues will be covered? Will the group be homogeneous or heterogeneous? “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups The Practicalities of Groups Screening Is the person appropriate for the group? Does he or she have adequate interpersonal skills? Is the person overtly negative or hostile? Are they pathological? Will they enhance or hinder the group process? “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups The Practicalities of Groups Ground Rules Will you present the norms or will you let the group? What is acceptable behavior and what is not? What will be the consequences for rule violations? Can people skip sessions or come late? “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups The Practicalities of Groups Beginning the Group How are you going to build rapport among members? How can you enhance safety and trust? How can you help the group define goals? How are you going to provide structure? “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups The Practicalities of Groups The Working Stage Check in with members to assess how they are doing. Make a decision as to who needs more attention or in need of the most help during the session. Address member concerns and explore options. If applicable, introduce a theme to be discussed (e.g. grief and loss, fear of rejection, stress, substance abuse.) “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Working With Groups The Practicalities of Groups The Ending Stage Help members process feelings. Help members say goodbye. Help them say anything left unsaid. Help members commit to future goals. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Introduction to Helping Relationships Presentation Resources Brammer, L. M. & MacDonald, G. (1999). The helping relationship: Process and skills, 7 th ed. Needham Heights, MA.: Allyn & Bacon. Kottler, J. A. (2000). Nuts and bolts of helping, 1 st ed. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”